When you agree to be the executor of a will, there are plenty of responsibilities you must take on. (See our 6-Step Process for Probate for more). Here, we break down the three key responsibilities of an executor when managing the probate of an estate. First, Collect the Assets. Collecting assets seems straightforward, but there […]

Tags: Assets, court, debts, Estate, executor, Probate, taxes, Trusts, Wills
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As part of our primer for probate in California, the first step for initialing probate is to file your probate petition. Filling out Form DE-111 is the first step to take in California to appoint a personal representative or executor. Let’s breakdown the initial information requests at the top of the form. The Executor and the […]

Tags: administration of estates act, Form DE-111, letters of special administrator, Letters Testamentary, limited authority, Probate, the estate, the executor, will
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A lot of things can happen when an executor or administrator of an estate begins the process of asset distribution—asset mismanagement, distribution delays, and lack of communication among them. As a beneficiary of a trust or an estate, you are entitled to certain rights. Knowing these beneficiary rights will help set appropriate boundaries and expectations, […]

Tags: accountability, beneficiary, fair treatment, Fiduciary, Probate, rights, timely distribution, Trusts, Wills
Posted in Beneficiary, Estate Planning - Wills, Trusts, and Probate, Executor, Probate Code, Trusts, Wills | No Comments »

When you hear the term probate, the first thing that comes to mind is the process of distribution of assets after someone’s death. However, the Riverside Probate Code covers much more than the administration of wills and trusts. From conservatorships and child support to foreclosures and health care, if you are unfamiliar with the ever-evolving […]

Tags: California, Child Support, code, conservatorship, Law, Probate, Probate Code, Riverside, Southwest Justice Center, Temecula Superior Court
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On paper, becoming an executor or administrator of someone’s estate means you’ve been entrusted to take on an enormous responsibility. Some may consider it an honor… but before you accept this relatively unenviable task, it’s best to understand the key factors of what the job itself entails. Key Factor #1 – Understanding the Difference Between […]

Tags: administrator, executor, Fiduciary, Probate, Probate Fiduciary, Trusts, Wills
Posted in Estate Planning - Wills, Trusts, and Probate, Executor, Probate Code | 1 Comment »

Grieving a loved one is painful. Unfortunately, the state doesn’t care—they still expect you to complete the daunting probate process within a year of your loved one’s death. But where to start? 1. File the Probate Petition The first step is to file a request to begin probate with the court. Fill out form DE-111, […]

Tags: beneficiaries, beneficiary, distribution of assets, executor, handling taxes, heirs, managing of assets, paying debts, Probate, probate petition
Posted in California Law, Estate Planning - Wills, Trusts, and Probate, Litigation, Probate Code | No Comments »

Probate is oftentimes a long, costly process, especially when bequeathing a house. The best way to avoid your home being placed in probate is to setup a living trust. However, some believe the best way to transfer a home to their child without probate is to add them to the title of their home. The […]

Tags: gift, home taxes, home title, legal rights, litigation, parent/child exclusion, Probate, tax, tax burden, title, transfer, trust, trust of survivorship
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Most of us have strong opinions when it comes to timeshares. Many see plenty of benefits in becoming a partial owner in a vacation property they can use without the headaches that come with owning his or her own property. However, others only see timeshares as a waste of money. So, what happens during divorce […]

Tags: asset, Divorce, liability, Probate, timeshare, timeshares
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Celebrity status is likely to be the first choice pick. Spears, Jobs, and Manson are household names recognized across the United States, and even internationally. Somewhere on the list of commonalities, these infamous beings also share the experience of being involved in California court proceedings; more specifically cases involving the control of their person. #FreeBrittany […]

Tags: abuse, advocate, authority, Britney Spears, California, Celebrity, Charles Manson, court, dementia, dependency, legal, power, Probate, Steve Jobs
Posted in Business, Conservatorship, Pop Culture, Probate Code | No Comments »

The last thing anyone wants to do after a loved one passes away is to go to court over the decedent’s estate. Although probate can help establish an executor to oversee the distribution of assets and help the process run smoothly, there are times when an interested party will disagree with the decedent’s last will […]

Tags: attorney, court, litigation, Probate, Trusts, Wills
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